Gender Laws Forced on Churches?

[Esaias]

Originally Posted by votivesoul

And in case anyone thinks I'm just being philosophical, less than two months ago, a transgendered young man, who was trying to pass as a woman, recently went to an Apostolic Church here in my state, a few hours north of me, and wrote a long testimony of how God changed his life and how the ministry and leadership of said Church helped him realize who the man is that God wants him to become, because they didn't pass judgment, or demonstration any recalcitrance toward him being there in a dress, with makeup and jewelry on.

The fellow repented of his sin, and shared it all on Facebook, with before and after pics for all to see.

Since the person posted this on Facebook, can you provide a link?

[Esaias]

Originally Posted by Esaias

Since the person posted this on Facebook, can you provide a link?

I can't find anything on Facebook that corresponds to what what was stated, can someone provide a link?

Also, what church was this?

[votivesoul]

Originally Posted by Esaias

I can't find anything on Facebook that corresponds to what what was stated, can someone provide a link?

Also, what church was this?

Apostolic Truth Center in Appleton, WI. Aaron Soto is the Pastor.

[votivesoul]

Originally Posted by Esaias

I can't find anything on Facebook that corresponds to what what was stated, can someone provide a link?

Also, what church was this?

You do realize that there are privacy settings and that not everything posted of Facebook is available to just anyone, right?

[votivesoul]

Originally Posted by Esaias

I can't find anything on Facebook that corresponds to what what was stated, can someone provide a link?

Also, what church was this?

Is my word not sufficient? Pics or it didn't happen? Is that what's happening here?

[Esaias]

Originally Posted by votivesoul

Is my word not sufficient? Pics or it didn't happen? Is that what's happening here?

lol

No, I'm just trying to find out what the story is.

Thanks for the info.

I'm not too familiar with how Facebook works, I don't do Facebook.

[votivesoul]

Originally Posted by Esaias

lol

No, I'm just trying to find out what the story is.

Thanks for the info.

I'm not too familiar with how Facebook works, I don't do Facebook.

I found the testimony:

I love my church. I'd like to share something awesome about it. But I have to start with a not so awesome part. It starts when I originally came out publicly as transgender. It was shortly before I was to head off to navy boot camp. This was BEFORE President Obama eliminated the "don't ask don't tell" policy for gays in the military, so I knew I'd have to hide myself for the next four years.

Obviously, I wanted a day to enjoy myself as who I was, and to the fullest. I did this during the St. Martin's Road Fair in Franklin (a suburb of Milwaukee). For those of you who don't know what that is, it's basically a two to three mile rummage sale, I guess. Anyway, St. Martin's Rd is where that church is located. So on this Sunday, church is moved to the previous Saturday, so that the church may open its parking lot to the public, for a donation price. Members of the church parked for free.

Now, I'll spare details, but suffice it to say, only those who knew me knew the truth. I was skinny and convincing; to any who didn't know me, I was female. Period.

Anywho, I went there with my mother. As members of the church, we parked in the church lot. When I was finished with my shopping and returned to the car, I ran across my pastor (name withheld).

This is where the story becomes comparative.

You know what he told me? Not to be seen on church property like that, because people might think the church condoned it. What's worse is that, at the next church service, my parents return home all upset because the pastor rained hell down on THEM for it!

REALLY?

First off, no one even knew I was a guy. In the early morning before it got too crowded, a vendor said "Morning ladies" to my mother and I as we passed. Second, even had I been obvious, how would anyone know I even attended that church? (Which at the time, I did not). Third, since when is it the pastor's job to worry what people outside free church think? Finally, if he was going to come down on anyone, it should've been ME. NOT my parents.

Now the good part. You all at ATC remember how I showed up to my first service there? Black and blue dress, silver high heels. And I know, I didn't look convincing, you all knew I was a male. And how did everyone react, including Pastor Soto himself?

The same way you would with anyone else. With love. With open arms. With comments like "What'd you think, coming back again?" "Glad to have you here!" "Welcome to our church!"

So in closing, let's compare what each pastor accomplished. My former pastor: nothing good. I simply began to hate the man, and swore never to return to his church even should I have gotten right with God. Pastor Soto: My eventual change into the MAN God made me, putting me back on the path to heaven!

Thank God for the churches that still do things right!

[votivesoul]

Originally Posted by votivesoul

I found the testimony:

More from the same person:

I just can't get over this whole thing! I never thought I'd ever be so joyful in being a man! Not to dumb down women; as I've said before, I find you ladies to be God's most beautiful creation, and we men wouldn't survive without you. God said so Himself (Genesis 2:18-24).

But as for myself, God designed me to be a man, and it took me until I was almost 32 to see that. In that time, I NEVER thought being a man would bring me such joy. But it has. I'm happier with who I am now than I ever was then, and I was pretty darn happy!

Sorry if I seem to talk about this topic a lot, but I'm just so overjoyed about it

[votivesoul]

Originally Posted by votivesoul

More from the same person:

More:

Saw my doctor today. Turns out I CAN quit my hormone treatments cold turkey! Only drawback is that I'll experience hit flashes and other menopausal symptoms for a bit. Pray for me, peoples (yikes)!

[votivesoul]

Originally Posted by Esaias

Since the person posted this on Facebook, can you provide a link?

I looked for it for a long time. It wasn't posted by someone with whom I am friends. Rather the person who made the post tagged someone with whom I am friends, and so, it showed up in my news feed. I didn't make note of the person's name, and so, will probably not be able to find a link for you.